King Charlespersonally informedPrince William,Prince Harryand other family members of hiscancer diagnosis.
It’s understood that the King, 75, personally shared the news with his sons and three siblings —Princess Anne,Prince AndrewandPrince Edward— before Buckingham Palace made the public announcement on Monday.
A source close to Prince William, 41, says that he is in close contact with his father, and it’s understood that Prince Harry, 39, will travel to the U.K. to see his father in the coming days.
The monarch’s cancer news comes shortly after he was treated for an enlarged prostate. However, he does not have prostate cancer.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace said.
Prince Harry, King Charles and Prince William at Brentwood Cathedral on September 11, 2013.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
King Charles returned to London from Sandringham on Monday to commence treatment as an out-patient.
The monarch had stepped away from public duties amid his recovery from prostate surgery, and it’s not known when he will return to royal engagements given his cancer diagnosis. PEOPLE understands he will continue toreceive red boxes, the monarch’s daily delivery of documents needing his attention, and process state documents during his treatment.
There are currently no plans to appoint Counsellors of State to act on King Charles' behalf.
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The news came the day after King Charles attended church at St. Mary Magdalene Church near Sandringham withQueen Camilla. The Sunday servicemarked the monarch’s first outingsinceleaving the hospitalon Jan. 29 following a three-day stay after his prostate procedure.
On Jan. 17, Buckingham Palace announced that the sovereign wasseeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure,” the palace statement said. “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
King Charles disclosed his diagnosis in hopes that it would inspire men to get checked, and his decision proved to make an impact. After his announcement, there was a 1,000% increase in searches about prostate enlargement on the U.K.’s National Health Servicewebsite.
source: people.com
